FIFE COUNCIL co-leader David Alexander has slammed Universal Credits as an “unmitigated disaster” after it was revealed council rent arrears totalling more than £1 million have been caused by the controversial system.

Cllr Alexander said figures outlined at their policy and co-ordination committee showed that debts were rising by £120,000 a month with overall arrears topping £10m.

Tenants’ debts caused by Universal Credits (UCs), he said, currently amounted to £1,168,402.

“Universal Credit it is an unmitigated disaster,” he said. “When the Tories and Liberal Democrats introduced this, they said it was going to make life easier for everyone and encourage people into work.

"A review of UC carried out by a Professor Morse in October stated that it had missed all its targets, was going to be more expensive than the system it replaced and was failing in all its stated ambitions.

“UC is now rolled out throughout Scotland and the same message is coming back from every part – this needs halted immediately. It is an online system, people can go for seven weeks without getting their first benefit.

“If people can’t afford to pay their rent what else are they missing out on?”

A DWP spokesperson said Universal Credit was a “force for good for many”, helping people get into work faster, stay in work longer and keep more of what they earn.

“Listening to people’s concerns, we have invested a £4.5 billion boost in the system and have made 100 per cent advances available from day one,” added the spokesperson.

“In Scotland, people can choose to be paid twice monthly or have their rent paid directly to their landlord.

"Meanwhile, Scotland has the power to top-up existing benefits, pay discretionary payments and create entirely new benefits altogether.”